Spring Equestrian Apparel - Choosing Horse Riding Clothing This Season

Winter is a great time to sort through your equestrian apparel, horse clothing, and riding equipment to check for damage, to see what needs to be cleaned, and to create a shopping list of necessities and fun new equestrian apparel items. New styles have just arrived, making this the best possible time to put that shopping list and those organizational skills to use. Your equestrian apparel serves many functions and needs to be in the best possible condition to work properly. Riding equipment, tack, and horse clothing fall into the same category. Broken buckles, worn straps, and ill-fitting apparel must be replaced, enabling you to look, feel, and perform at your very best.

The lined or fleeced horse riding breeches that served you well through the cold winter months are now too heavy to be safe or functional for intensive training or on long trail rides. Safety and comfort are paramount any time you are riding. You can ensure that you have the necessary freedom of movement while maintaining close contact with your horse and still look sleek and stylish with this year's latest styles.

Difference Between Spring And Winter Riding

If you ride on the island of Oahu, seasonal changes won't really affect you or your riding apparel. For the rest of us, winter means wearing layers of clothing, heavy jackets, lined gloves and boots, thick socks, turtleneck shirts and sweaters, and heavy horse riding breeches. As spring approaches, that wardrobe is no longer safe or functional. You can get overheated and you do not have the range of motion needed for more strenuous training sessions.

Riding in the spring frequently means longer rides, so comfort becomes more of an issue. While gloves are still needed, you don't want the bulky linings that were necessary during winter. Lighter weight apparel, more suited to spring and summer, provide you with attractive fluidity of movement, especially with all the beautiful new styles that have just arrived. Your horse will appreciate a lighter weight blanket or stable sheet as well.

Look For New Spring Equestrian Apparel Arrivals

Nearly all of the major equestrian apparel designers have released their latest styles of breeches, shirts, show coats, and horse clothing. Instead of making do with worn-out or ill-fitting equestrian apparel, you can take advantage of the latest spring sales on riding apparel and horse tack. Equine Couture, The Tailored Sportsman, Tuffrider, and Goode Rider have released their cutting edge collections for the upcoming Spring and show season.

Horse riding breeches now come in new materials and styles that take advantage of the latest in textile research, providing riders with improved breathability, increased comfort, and elegant details that will make you stand out from the crowd in and out of the show ring. Of course, the real purpose of well-designed breeches and jodhpurs is to protect your legs while maintaining clear communication between horse and rider. This year's breeches look and function better than ever.

Horse Show Equestrian Apparel

No matter how well you and your horse perform in the show ring, your appearance must win over the judges. Poorly fitting breeches and sloppy riding apparel can eliminate you from the standings just as fast as a fall or a refusal, sometimes even faster. While you may be able to hide a smudge on your ratcatcher, your show coat must be pristine, snug, and elegant, all while allowing you the freedom of movement you need to perform your best.

The newest collections from Tuffrider, and Tailored Sportsman all combine versatility with a sleek, elegant design that will help you catch the judge's eye and then keep it. The latest trend in breeches is the low-rise style waistband that doesn't cramp your style, or your breathing. Stretch fabrics add a new level of comfort and fit without binding or pinching. Designers have realized that the better you feel, the more likely you are to ride your best. Horse riding breeches have become a fashion statement for even the non-rider, providing a sleek outline, a comfortable fit, and a versatile wardrobe item.

Of course, color is always an issue when shopping for any type of apparel. While the show ring has specific requirements, there are plenty of new spring equestrian apparel choices that allow you a bit more freedom to express the inner you. Now is the perfect time to treat yourself to equestrian apparel and new horse riding breeches that will help you to look, feel, and perform your very best.

Anne Coyle is a writer for The Equestrian Corner. They provide high quality equestrian apparel and horse riding breeches that will help you look and ride your best.

Equestrian Equipment Helps Boost the Horse Riding Experience

Horse riders should consider a number of factors in their search for men's equestrian equipment and apparel. For one, riders should choose only equestrian products that are made with durable, high-grade materials and created with utmost craftsmanship. Choosing high-quality horse riding apparel gives riders participating in competitions the professional look, while also improving their performance.

More than the price tag, riders also should choose products based on the comfort they provide. This allows for improved horse riding experience for casual equestrians or leisure riders.

Riders also should make sure the equestrian clothing they choose fits them perfectly. The reason for this is to curb safety hazards brought about by apparel that's either too loose or too tight.

Equestrian riding apparel and equipment for men come in various forms and sizes. Among the most basic horse riding necessities include paddock boots, jodhpurs, riding shirts, chaps and gaiters, spurs, socks, jackets and helmets. Professional riders also may invest in additional gear to ensure a safer and more comfortable ride. These include gloves designed to provide riders a better grip as well as protection from injuries. Equestrians who want to boost their appearance also may consider seasonal equestrian riding apparel.

Most of these products are now available on the Internet. Some online retailers even offer catalogues to ease the burden on buyers as they search for equestrian equipment and apparel for men, women and children.

Quality men's equestrian equipment and apparel hold the key to a comfortable horse riding experience for amateur riders, and a winning performance for professional equestrians. Hence, it is crucial for male and female equestrians alike to make wise decisions when buying the horse riding gear or apparel they need.

Resource Box:

TheEquestrianCorner.com specializes in providing high quality men's equestrian equipment as well as riding apparel for women and children, all offered at best-value rates. To view its online catalogue of equestrian riding apparel or learn more about its product offerings, visit TheEquestrianCorner.com. Inquiries also welcome at 1-800-518-0997.

Proper Equestrian Riding Techniques

Proper equestrian riding techniques vary depending upon the type of riding you are doing, whether it is English, Western, jumping, dressage, or eventing. Overall, proper equestrian riding techniques are largely a matter of correct body position, clear communication, appropriate equipment and equestrian riding apparel, and being aware of your surroundings. No one is born with the knowledge or ability to ride properly. It takes years of training and dedicated practice.

As a novice rider, you have much to learn. It is far easier to learn the proper ways first, rather than having to spend years unlearning bad habits and replacing them with proper riding techniques. That's why taking lessons for the novice rider is such a great idea.

Take Lessons from a Reputable Trainer

Regardless of the type of riding you are interested in, riding lessons are always a good idea -- especially for the novice. It is too easy to learn bad habits and put yourself in danger by simply jumping on the first available horse. This is especially true when jumping horses.

Even experienced riders must regularly rely upon basic riding techniques to maintain their safety as well as the safety of their horse. Your trainer should be able to provide you with an outside perspective. It's amazing how many times you will be absolutely positive that your heels are down when, in fact, they are not. A reputable trainer can help you to fulfill your potential as a skilled horseman or horsewoman.

Riding lessons will teach you how to tack your horse up in the proper equestrian equipment, how to tighten the girth on English saddles to prevent slipping, how to select the equestrian riding apparel that is appropriate for your style of riding, how to develop the correct body position, and the best communication methods for interacting with your horse. Riding lessons will also educate you about the common rules of riding etiquette.

Proper Body Position and Riding Etiquette

For generations, young children and adults have been admonished to keep their chin up, shoulders back, and eyes forward. All you have to do is add heels down, elbows in, and hands quiet so that you will have a superior body position for horseback riding. As a rider, your job is to maintain control over your horse without appearing to do anything. Loud cues, abrupt movements, and lost tempers are never appropriate.

In the English riding world, there are specific rules of ring etiquette in place to ensure everyone's safety. Generally, this means that everyone should be travelling in the same direction and working basically on the same skills. Slower traffic keeps to the inside of the arena while faster moving riders stay to the outer edge of the ring. A full horse length should be maintained between riders. If passing is necessary, one is expected to inform the other rider quietly and to give a wide berth. If horses are moving in both directions, the general rule of thumb is to pass -- left shoulder to left shoulder -- just as though you were driving a car. These courtesies work to prevent countless accidents and emergencies and should be followed at all times.

Use Appropriate Equestrian Riding Apparel and Equipment

Appropriate equestrian riding apparel means you are wearing an approved helmet, riding boots, a well-fitting shirt that allows enough freedom of movement, and riding breeches. Jeans are not appropriate for English riding. English saddles will rub on the seams, causing chaffing, and the material will slip and risk a fall. Loose and baggy clothing is never considered appropriate equestrian riding apparel. It can snag, bunch, and interfere with your movement that may risk injury.

English saddles will help you to maintain the correct body position for flat work and jumping, just as an event a saddle will help a rider maneuver hills, waterways, and other obstacles and help a rider to maintain their seat safely. Being lightweight and relatively flat, English saddles provide you with a greater range of motion than a heavier, bulkier Western saddle. However, they also require a strong leg to help you maintain contact and communicate with your horse. There are many varieties of English saddles available. Before buying English saddles, discuss your options with your trainer.

Every step of your training will help you to develop the skills and habits necessary to ride safely and effectively. Wearing appropriate equestrian riding apparel, finding the correct style English saddles, and working regularly with a reputable trainer will all help you to develop proper riding techniques.

Anne Coyle is a writer for The Equestrian Corner. They provide high quality equestrian riding apparel and English saddles that will help you to ride safely and make the most of your time in the saddle.

How High Quality Equestrian Riding Apparel and Equipment Can Improve Your Performance

When it comes to equestrian riding apparel and equipment, making a choice can be difficult. Whether you're a novice rider or a seasoned equestrian, your purchase can significantly affect your comfort, appearance, and ability to ride. This means quality materials and workmanship are far more important than price when choosing equestrian products. By focusing your choices on distinguished brands like Equine Couture, The Tailored Sportsman, and Tuffrider, you will ensure money well spent, as you'll feel great, look professional, and perform at your very finest level.

Many stores offer a huge variety of equestrian riding apparel and equipment, but for the best results, choose a retailer with added conveniences like online ordering, sizing charts, and express or overnight delivery options in addition to a great selection of well-known brands. While you may spend less when purchasing used equipment, you'll ride better and safer if you invest in quality materials and workmanship offered by dependable name brands such as The Tailored Sportsman and Goode Rider for ladies apparel and Tuffrider for men's, ladies and children's riding clothing. Additionally, premier riding helmet brands to consider include LAS and International Riding Helmet.

The Basics Of Equestrian Riding Apparel And Equipment

Most riders consider jodhpurs, paddock boots, a riding shirt, and helmet as the basic essentials needed because they provide a rider plenty of freedom of movement while also allowing the rider to feel the horse and the saddle. Equine Couture and The Tailored Sportsman both offer high quality jodhpurs that offer durability and a classic, tailored look. Although there are several brands of paddock boots available, Tuffrider is the top of the line as they help protect a riders feet from equine hooves and offer a firm heel that increases the effectiveness of placing leg pressure on the horse and prevents a riders foot from slipping from the stirrup.

All riders will agree the most important piece of equestrian riding apparel is your riding helmet. Not only do they provide the classic equestrian look, but they can also save your life. No rider likes to think about falling from a horse, but it does happen and a riding helmet can mean the difference between getting back on the horse or heading for the emergency room. It's crucial to wear your riding helmet every time you mount a horse, as falls don't only happen in a ring. A well-made helmet should feature a sturdy chinstrap and plenty of padding in addition to being ASTM approved. With helmets available in a wide variety of selections and in sizes to fit every head, budget, and style, you shouldn't skimp on the importance of a good helmet.

Extra Gear To Consider

If you're a serious rider, you may want to invest in some extra gear that will help make your riding experience even more productive. In addition to the essentials, you might consider riding gloves to prevent injuries, keep your hands clean, and provide a better grip. Also, consider a familiar crop and extra apparel, as you never know when you might need an extra pair of jodhpurs and depending on your area, you can't always just run out the store for these. Seasonal equestrian riding apparel is also a great idea.

Things To Consider When Shopping

Fit is important when choosing equestrian riding apparel. Loose apparel not only looks unprofessional, but it can also be a safety hazard. Since sizing can differ between manufacturers, consult sizing charts to ensure getting the best fit possible when shopping. Stay away from purchasing pants that are too baggy or waistbands that are too tight. Buying the wrong size just because it's on sale can be dangerous in the ring. Well fitting equestrian riding apparel will make you look sleek and professional on horseback and you will improve your riding skills thanks to the good support and contact the right fit provides.

Durability and quality are just as important when shopping for riding products as looks and comfort. Don't throw your money away on low quality apparel that is uncomfortable and ineffective. By making an investment in good quality products from dependable brands like Tuffrider and others, you will look your best and give yourself an edge over your competition.

 

Horseback riding requires fitness, stamina, confidence, and a cool head and the right equipment can make a difference. Just as with any athlete, your equipment not only enhances your appearance, but it also affects your performance. Whether you're just taking lessons or have plans to compete in a show, high quality equestrian riding apparel from trusted manufacturers like Tuffrider, The Tailored Sportsman and others will not only keep you safe, but will also help you ride better and stand out in the ring.

Anne Coyle is a writer for The Equestrian Corner. They provide quality equestrian riding apparel and equipment including Equine Couture, The Tailored Sportsman, and Tuffrider.

The Essential Guide to Equestrian Show Riding and Equestrian Riding Apparel

Competitors in every sport want to be at their best. And being at your best includes the right apparel. Equestrian apparel is especially important because unlike casual riding, competitors in English riding must appear sleek, refined and in control at all times. In the show ring, the judges want to be looking at the way you and your horse communicate and how well you control and direct your horse. Loose fitting clothes have no place in show riding as safety is of the utmost importance. English riders also need their show clothes to reflect a neat, subdued and elegant air, so that their riding skills and the training of the horse shine through.

Dressage, hunt seat, and pleasure classes each have specific requirements regarding equestrian clothing. It is up to you to check with the sponsoring organization to get the details of your equestrian clothing needs.

Show Clothes From Head To Toe

Starting at the top, helmets are the most important accessory because they may save your life in a fall. An ASTM F-1163-01 and 04a/SEI certified helmet is a mandatory part of your equestrian clothing any time you are on or working around a horse. These helmets are tested for the rigors of riding. Helmets are sized by measuring the circumference of the rider's head.

The Importance Of A Show Coat

The first part of show clothes that judges will notice is a rider's show coat. A properly fitted jacket should give you a trim appearance with squared shoulders and a narrow waist. To check for a good fit, you should be able to take a pinch of approximately one-inch of fabric from the sides of the shoulders, which will allow the freedom of movement you need.

The waistline of your jacket should be at your natural waistline. The length of your show jacket should take it just to the bottom of your buttocks. Show jacket sleeves are measured at one inch below the wrist. Show coats are generally beige, gray or a dark color. Dressage show coats are black.

Underneath Your Show Coat

Under the show coat, women wear a ratcatcher and men wear a buttoned shirt. Getting the right fit is crucial to creating the right image while allowing you to ride safely and effectively. Ratcatchers are extra long-sleeved shirts with a short, upright collar. Ratcatchers and shirts should be form-fitting yet allow the rider the necessary freedom of movement with show clothes.

Riding shirt sleeves are generally two inches longer than normal clothing, to allow you the reach when jumping. After putting on your show jacket, one-fourth to one-half inch of your shirt cuff should show. Ratcatchers are normally white or of a pale color. A stock pin should be worn with your ratcatcher. Men are required to wear a button-down shirt with either a tie or a stock pin.

Jodhpurs And Breeches

Jodhpurs are riding pants with an elastic cuff that is worn over your horse riding boots. They are also essential if you are wearing paddock boots. When sizing for jodhpurs, measure your inseam plus one inch with your paddock boots on. If you will be wearing your jodhpurs in the show ring, try to find a color to match with your show jacket.

Breeches come in many styles, including front-zip, pull-on, side-zip, low-rise and full-seat. You'll want to make sure that your breeches maintain the overall trim and professional look of your equestrian clothing. Show breeches are normally beige. When shopping for most show clothes including Jodhpurs and Breeches, fabrics with Lycra are ideal in order to provide a trim fit with stretch for movement.

Boots Made For Riding

Your field or dress tall black boots must fit properly. Since manufacturers differ, you must use the sizing chart for the horse riding boots that you are buying. Most horse riding boot sizing charts will ask for calf and height measurements, plus your normal show size. Calf measurements are taken at the widest part of your calf, with socks and riding breeches on, while seated. The height measurement is from the base of your heel to the top of your lower leg plus one inch.

Tall horse riding boots must fit snugly in all the right places to give you the look and support you need to do well in the show ring and to complement the rest of your equestrian clothing. Those with hidden zippers will give a snug fit and will be easy to put on.

Dressing with the appropriate equestrian clothing for competitive events not only will showcase your command of the sport, but will also provide the safety you need when jumping. Wearing the proper show clothes also shows respect for the elegance and control of English riding.

Anne Coyle writes for The Equestrian Corner. They provide high quality show clothes and equestrian clothing that define the elegance of English riding while providing safety to the rider.

Equestrian Riding Lessons - Resources and Guides

Imagine donning your equestrian riding apparel, your riding helmet, and your horse riding boots and sitting astride one of those sleek, gentle giants for the very first time. The perspective is amazing and the communication that occurs between you and your horse can be an incredible experience. However, being the large, powerful animals that they are, horses can be dangerous. It is important to receive a solid education in the basics of horsemanship to ensure that you develop good equestrian riding habits and that your lessons are safe and enjoyable. That is also why the proper equestrian riding apparel, helmet, and horse riding boots are at least as important as finding the best trainer.

There are countless resources and guides available to help you find the best barn and trainer for your style of riding and your experience level. For the novice rider, information about equestrian riding lessons can be found through riding schools and riding camps, nearby barns, horse associations, the local 4H/FFA office or club, large animal veterinarians, and your community Parks and Recreation office. If you have never ridden before, there are several points that you must keep in mind when using these resources to select a barn for your equestrian riding lessons.

Community Resources and Guides

Your community Parks and Recreation publication can be an excellent place to start since they screen all of their participants prior to endorsing them. When riding horses, safety must come first, last and always. This is not a time for cutting corners or accepting less than the best. The riding habits you will develop initially will stay with you. It is far better to learn how to ride properly the first time rather than having to spend years trying to unlearn incorrect and unsafe riding habits.

Your local tack shop, 4H and FFA clubs can also provide you with the names of reputable trainers. The phone book can give you a large selection of names and phone numbers, but you will have to work harder to determine which of these barns offers the best instruction, the safest conditions, and the best value for your money.

Professional Resources and Guides

Horseback riding, horse shows, and horse breeding are big business. You can take advantage of the plethora of associations, organizations and publications available to help you select the best barn and trainer for your equestrian riding lessons. Many horse-related associations are breed specific. Thoroughbreds are the most popular horses used in English riding, although you will also find Arabians, Quarter Horses, Morgans, Friesians, Hanoverians, and several others. You can also find riding lesson information through regional organizations, veterinary associations, and equestrian magazines.

Using either community or professional resources and guides will help you select a number of possible trainers and barns to choose from. The next step in selecting the best trainer for your riding lessons is to compare what they have to offer and the price you will have to pay. Most important, you should go and look at the barns themselves and see the trainer in action. Again, safety is paramount. There are specific criteria you can use to help you find the very best trainer.

Making Your Choice

Once you have narrowed down your selection of barns and trainers, you must actually go to each barn before making your choice. Any barn that appears unsafe, unclean or chaotic should be avoided. Observe the trainer as they give lessons. Are they friendly, supportive and calm or are they agitated, critical and loud? Do they require you to wear an approved riding helmet, appropriate equestrian riding apparel, and horse riding boots? If not, leave immediately. Proper equestrian riding apparel, an authorized helmet, and sturdy horse riding boots are crucial to your safety.

Equestrian riding apparel consists of breeches that fit snuggly and a riding shirt that allows freedom of movement without risking getting snagged. Horse riding boots will protect your toes from heavy hooves and they will keep your foot in the proper stirrup position. Approved rising helmets are mandatory. There are plenty of resources for purchasing your equestrian riding apparel and horse riding boots. You can drive to your local tack shop or, for added convenience and a wider selection; you can make your purchases online through a reputable retailer.

Choose a trainer who will provide you with a safe and enjoyable opportunity to develop good basic skills and who requires you to wear the appropriate equestrian riding apparel, horse riding boots, and an authorized riding helmet for years of safe, enjoyable and productive riding.

Anne Coyle is a writer for The Equestrian Corner. They provide high quality equestrian riding apparel and horse riding boots that will ensure your equestrian riding lessons will be safe, productive and enjoyable.

Whitworth prof studies horseback riding as therapy

By SARA LEAMING

The Spokesman-Review
SPOKANE, Wash. —

With his arms outstretched, 6-year-old Tyson Thompson concentrated Sunday on keeping his posture straight and his leg muscles strong as he balanced on the horse moving beneath him.

The boy looked miniature perched on the back of the 1,400-pound horse named April. Maintaining steadiness proved even more difficult without a saddle, especially for Thompson, who has cerebral palsy.

"It makes him very aware of his body positions," said Ellie Giffin, Thompson's mother. Riding 18-year-old April, a breed of draft horse known as Shire and related to Clydesdales, is also the only physical therapy Thompson does in which his symptoms don't regress, Giffin said.

Known as hippotherapy stemming from the Greek word "hippos" for horse the treatment uses the multidimensional movements of a horse to treat patients who suffer from muscle or movement dysfunction. It's said to improve balance, posture, mobility and function.

"They can't re-create this in a clinic," Giffin said.

Giffin and her family also are fortunate to be related to Mike and Teri Sardinia. The Sardinias own the Clayton farm and the horse used in Thompson's therapy. The boy has been working with the horses since he was 3 years old.

Mike Sardinia is a biology professor at Whitworth University. Two years ago, two of his former students did their research project for his animal physiology course on the effects of hippotherapy; Thompson served as their test subject. This year, undergraduate biology majors David Ellis and Aly Shaffer, both 22, took the research a step further to determine how long Thompson's muscles benefited from each session.

The students measured the electromyograms in the boy's muscles before, and then each day after each therapy session for a week. The electromyogram is a graphic representation of the electrical activity that occurs when muscles contract.

For most people, those muscles are in sync when they are contracting in the limbs. But for people with cerebral palsy, the electromyograms are out of sync for the same muscles, causing patients to be off-balance.

"The idea of being on a horse is that it moves in a very synchronized way; he has to use his muscles in sync with the horse," Ellis said.

Ellis and Shaffer recently presented their research at the Spokane Intercollegiate Research Conference. Their research determined that Thompson had better muscle coordination and balance for at least two days following his sessions with horses.

Mike Sardinia said he hopes the research will be helpful in establishing more local hippotherapy options. When Giffin went looking for help, there were only two similar programs in the Spokane area, and each had a long waiting list.

In addition, Sardinia said there is much anecdotal evidence to support the benefits of hippotherapy but very little solid research to prove it works.

"We want to spread this around to anybody that is doing this kind of work," he said.

Already the need is growing.

On Saturday, a newly formed group in Spokane called Free Rein held an event to raise money for similar therapy.

Founded last summer, Free Rein allows 22 children and adults with physical, mental and emotional disabilities to ride and connect with horses. The nonprofit wants the program to grow and eventually serve 100 riders a year.

But the therapy is costly, and often patients are living on limited incomes and have higher living expenses because of a disability.

The Sardinias said they have only worked with Thompson so far but in the future would consider taking on more riders.

Giffin said that without the therapy, her son's progress would have been slower. He no longer wears leg braces.

"The biggest thing is that he has developed strength in his torso," Giffin said. "He couldn't sit before without help."

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Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesmanreview.comPosted byJ. Foleyat10:59 PM

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